Tuesday, May 8, 2007

Accumulating Wounds

Three years ago, we had three fascists, unilateralists who ruled in three different nations, facts did not matter to them, they manufactured them so suit their destructive dreams; they were not nation builders but pure cranky destroyers. Thanks God we are left with one, and that the time for that one is running out too.

God bless America

Mike Ghouse

Muslims and West: Accumulating WoundsTarik Jan

The tragic moments in history have their own ineluctable fate, for in the creation of those moments there are years of self-satisfied attitudes that smothers a people’s ability to perceive threats, parochial concerns that eventually conditions their psyche, and disrespect for the overarching principle that holds the social components together in an activating equation of consolidation and spread.

In the year 1258, the moment of reckoning for the Muslims arrived when the Mongols pointed their archery at Baghdad. They accused the caliph al-Mu‘tasim of giving refuge to “rebels” and not honoring his pledge to assist against the Assassins (Hashishayn).

As penalty, Helagu Khan demanded Caliph’s surrender to the Mongols and the complete demilitarization of Baghdad. The rest perhaps is known: Helagu was not stopped by the high-scale civilization that Baghdad had lived and symbolized for centuries. And the Muslims great economic and social indicators, undoubtedly the best in the world, did not discourage the Mongols to tear them apart from limb to limb. 800,000 people paid the price for their neglect to the principles of growth and decay or the phenomenon of rise and fall, forgetting that what propels a people to rise, if not respected and nourished, can sling them towards the downfall as well.

History is brutal in its description of what happened to China at the hands of the Imperial Powers. In early 19th century, Britain along with France and the United States wanted to make money by inveigling the Chinese people to buy opium, which the Chinese rightfully resisted for it had begun taking a heavy toll of their health and economy. But showing the same imperial strain of hardheaded rapacity and unprincipled urge to dominate and humiliate others, Western syndicate pushed for dumping opium upon the Chinese.

To exhaust diplomatic channels, Commissioner Lin wrote a letter to Queen Victoria in 1839 pleading for a stop to the devastating opium trade. Lin’s letter, among others, identified the illegalities committed by Her Majesty’s government “who by means of introducing opium by stealth have seduced our Chinese people, and caused every province of the land to overflow with that poison.” Pointing towards the West lust for money by any means, the letter accused them of not caring about “injuring others.”

Injuring others for profit, said Commissioner Lin, is hated by Providence as well as humankind. But the West turned down the rational discourse, norms of international law and morality. They pushed on China, punishing it for its resolve to assert its sovereignty, destroyed its trade, and as booty surrendered Hong Kong to them.

Today in the 21st century the West is making similar demands on the Muslim world. The opium trade of the early 19th century has been replaced by the drug-induced culture of the West that it insists on grafting on the Muslim people. Tony Blair had even the guts to say that for the West the battleground is not security but values. Thus for the Muslims, the U.S., despite its humanistic and civilizational overtones, has assumed the role of the modern-day Mongols. Afghanistan was asked to hand over the U.S. “rebels” like Osama bin Laden and others or get ready for radioactive shells and daisy cutters that blew up humans and mountains besides the incalculable emotional impact of a 2,000 lb cluster bomb on the living within a square mile.

In Iraq the body count suggest a harrowing tale of humans’ brutality to humans. From March 2003 to June 2006 about 654, 965 Iraqis, according to a MIT-based study, have been killed, which is said to be 2.5 % of the Iraqi population as compared to World War II figures of the United Kingdom 0.94 % and the United States 0.32 %. This is certainly high in terms of casualties and human suffering. More than 1 million children’s lives are reported to be “damaged” emotionally and psychologically. Almost 127,000 infants are being whisked away by death every year. Recent estimates are talking about 500,000 infant deaths so far.

One may question the size of these figures as “preposterously high” or not credible as the Bush administration would like to see them. But much to the war-mongers’ chagrin, MIT Center for International Studies described the study methodology and its results as the “only scientific account of the fatalities in the Iraq war.” What boosted the study in its ranking was, however, the Iraqi government’s hasty move to block the avenues of data information that could help obtain an accurate body count.

Iraq’s proud past, preserved in its well-maintained museums, has lost its fascinating looks and is no more vocal in telling the wonderful story of its civilization to visitors around the world. The U.S. invasion of Iraq has opened up the land and its resources to loot and plunder: its oil wealth is being stolen under the supposedly sharp eyes of the U.S. naval troops making it all the more plausible that the beneficiary of the crime is none but the U.S. An estimate speaks of about 200,000 to 500,000 barrels a day being stolen, which at the current price of $60 a barrel comes to about 120 million to $300 million a day, a huge amount by any measure.

Like the Mongols who called for demilitarizing Baghdad, the U.S. is continually intimidating Iran to give up its hard-won nuclear technology and Pakistan is being gradually pushed into the eye of the storm with unending allegations of harboring and supporting the Taliban. Dr. A.Q. Khan’s case is ceaselessly being stirred and none seems to be willing to recap it despite Pakistan’s genuine effort to make a thorough probe of his alleged proliferation of nuclear knowledge.

In the heat of its pursuit for its global agenda, the U.S. perhaps forgets that times have changed. Gone are the days when the superpowers kept war away from their seashores and inflicted harm on the poor and oppressed of the world through their aircraft carriers. Undoubtedly the invention of aircraft carriers was ingenious: it extended the landmass of the invading country far away from its seashores, constantly floating and threateningly poised to strike terror against the enemy while keeping their own mainland safe.

It does not add to our civilizational comfort that September 11 has exposed the vulnerability of the nation state no matter how far from the harm’s way and strong it may be. In the same vein, it can be said that in the coming days, the smaller nations will not be easily run over or cowed down by the bigger powers. Technology has no more the enviable status of an esoteric knowledge. Nor is it possible to freeze human mind to think and plan for defence and survival in the jungle named civilization.

It will serve peace well if Western Nations set aside their imperial hubris and instead of fighting and taming others allow them space to live in the light of their genius. For as Peter Singer has rightly said: “The 9-11 War will not be won through any territorial conquest or individual’s captive. It will only end in the realm of perceptions.”

We as Muslims plan to respond to pastor Terry Jones' planned burning of 3000 copies of Quran on September 11, 2013 in positive terms.

Our response - we will reclaim the standard of behavior practiced by the Prophet concerning “scurrilous and hostile criticism of the Qur’an” (Muhammad Asad Translation Note 31, verse 41:34). It was "To overcome evil with good is good, and to resist evil by evil is evil." It is also strongly enjoined in the Qur’an in the same verse 41:34, “Good and evil deeds are not equal. Repel evil with what is better; then you will see that one who was once your enemy has become your dearest friend.”

God willing Muslims will follow the divine guidance and pray for the restoration of Goodwill, and on that day many Muslim organizations will go on a “blood drive” to save lives and serve humanity with kindness.

We invite fellow Americans of all faiths, races, and ethnicities to join us to rededicate the pledge, “One nation under God”, and to build a cohesive America where no American has to live in apprehension, discomfort or fear of fellow Americans. This event is a substitute for our 10th Annual Unity Day Celebration (www.UnitydayUSA.com) held in Dallas, but now it will be at Mulberry, Florida.

Unwittingly Pastor Jones has done us a favor by invigorating us by his decision to burn nearly 3000 copies Quran on September 11, 2013. Obviously he is not satisfied by the notoriety he garnered by burning one Qur'an last year.

As Muslims and citizens we honor the free speech guaranteed in our constitution. We have no intentions to criticize, condemn or oppose Pastor Terry Jones' freedom of expression. Instead, we will be donating blood and praying for goodness to permeate in our society.

We plan to follow Jesus Christ (pbuh), a revered prophet in Islam as well as Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) – that of mitigating the conflicts and nurturing good will for the common good of the society.

We hope, this event and the message will remind Muslims elsewhere in the world as well, that violence is not the way. Muslims, who react violently to senseless provocation, should realize that, violence causes more violence, and besmirches the name of the religion that we hold so dear. We believe that Prophet Muhammad was a mercy to the mankind, and we ought to practice what we believe and preach. We must not insult Islam by the negative reactions of a few.

We can only hope it will bring about a change in the attitude of the followers of Pastor Jones, and in the behavior of those Muslims who reacted violently the last time Pastor sought notoriety – We hope this small step towards a bridge to peaceful coexistence would propel us towards building a cohesive society.

Like most Americans a majority of Muslims quietly go about their own business, but it is time to speak up and take positive action instead of negative reaction. May this message of peace and goodwill reverberate and reach many shores.

Lastly, we appreciate the Citizens of Mulberry, Florida, Honorable Mayor George Hatch, City Commissioners, police and Fire Chiefs for handing this situation very well. This will add a ‘feather of peace’ in the City’s reputation. We hope Mulberry will be a catalyst in showing the way in handling conflict with dignity and peace.

We thank the Media for giving value to the work towards peace rather than conflict.

CIVIL DIALOGUE

The people in Dallas are making an effort to understand and clean their own hearts first, when we are free from bias, it would be easy to share that with others. Islam teaches us in so many ways to "respect the otherness of others" and it is time we find simple practical ways of doing it.

SACRED - THE FILM

ABOUT US

The role of Muslims is to contribute towards the well being of humanity, and to be the conflict mitigaters and goodwill nurturers. Our goal is a secure world for every human. Please read the mission statement.

This group is about Muslims and their civic responsibilities in creating a dignified religious, social and civic space for themselves in the community of faiths. We do not distinguish between a Sunni, Shia, Ahmadiyya, WD Muhammad, Ismaili, Bohra or the subsets of each group, all believe in God, the Prophet and the accountability of their actions and whoever calls himself or herself a Muslim is a Muslim to us. Currently we are blessed to have our Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Bahai, Sikh and Buddhist friends among us to learn and share their perspective. This is our world and our God collectively.

MEMBERSHIP SINCE 2003

World Muslim Congress is a think tank, all are welcome to participate in the discussions, our scope is limited and defined in our mission statement. Currently, we have 1800 Members world wide with no membership fee.

To join the group, send an email to: WorldMuslimCongress-Subscribe@yahoogroups.com

WHAT WILL MUSLIMS DO WHILE QURAN IS BURNT

It is a purposeful positive event for Americans of different faiths, races, ethnicities and other uniqueness to come together to rededicate ourselves to our pledge; One nation under God with liberty and Justice for all. We will pray for peace, prosperity and security of our nation.

Last year the event focused on the positive response of Sikh community to the Wisconsin Shooting and this year, we will focus on the positive prayerful response of Muslim community to the planned Qur'an Burning by Pastor Terry Jones in Mulberry, Florida.

Click on pictures to see larger version of the photo

RSVP- ConfirmAttendance@gmail.comContact information - at the bottomPROGRAM DETAILSPictures indicate for visualization of the program as was done in Dallas, Texas We honor the free speech guaranteed in our constitution, and have no intentions to criticize, condemn or oppose Pastor Terry Jones freedom of expression. Instead, we will be donating blood and praying for goodness to prevail for the common good of the world. We hope, our mercy based message will remind those few Muslims elsewhere in the world that violence is not the way. We believe it may bring a change in the attitudes of followers of Pastor Jones, and in the behavior of those Muslims who reacted violently the last time Pastor sought notoriety.

Please join us for a life changing event, you will fall in love with the idea that all of us Americans will come together as Americans and nothing but Americans. While we have our identity, we look to each other as American and rededicate ourselves to our pledge; one nation under God with liberty and justice for all.

You will be a part of history in creating a model behavior in dealing with conflicts and building a cohesive America, where no American has to live in apprehension or fear of the other.The 10th Annual event is moved to Mulberry, Florida - for a singular purpose - to mitigate possible apprehensions generated by the planned burning of 2998 copies of Quran on September 11, 2013. We hope the event restores our faith in the cohesiveness of America, and we the people will go on about our business of living our daily lives.The full press release: http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2013/08/planned-muslim-response-to-quran_18.html

WE WILL GATHER;

to be together as Americans

to express our gratitude to our men and women in uniform

to honor individuals who have contributed to the well being of Mulberry, Florida

to emphasize and appreciate diversity represented by America.

to cherish the otherness of others.

to commit to be good neighbors

to rededicate our pledge to the peace, prosperity and security of America

Please join us with your family and friends to be together as Americans. Your presence is a valuable expression of unity. Along with our elected officials, civic, religious and business leaders, you help fulfill our common values and aspirations. Your presence fortifies our commitment to a pluralistic America.

As Americans, and as American of all hues, we uphold, protect, defend and celebrate the values enshrined in our constitution. All our faiths reinforce the creed of "One Nation under God, with liberty and justice for all”.

On this Unity Day USA, we, the people of the United States of America of every faith, race and ethnicity, will gather to express our commitment to co-existence, safety, prosperity and the well being of our nation.

PROGRAM: FLAG CEREMONY

NATIONAL ANTHEM

(Preferably joined in by members of at least 7 faith traditions, if not all)

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

To be led by the Hon. Mayor George Hatch of Mulberry

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Acknowledgement of dignitaries- Suzanne

Thanking key volunteers - Curtis

Thanking the Media- Butch

Appreciating the sponsors - Lynn

PURPOSE

Purpose - a new positive approach to conflict mitigation and rededicating to our pledge – one nation under God with Liberty and Justice for all- Mike

Mayors, Police and Fire chiefs, and Civic Leaders to share 3 minutes each – about their responsibility in treating each citizen with respect and dignity

HONORING THE ACTIVISTS

Those who have stood up for others

SPIRITUAL LEADERS

All-inclusive spiritual leaders will be on stage representing each tradition, and lighting a candle of the next, a symbolic gesture to be the light to others. Every available religious American representation in Polk County will be accommodated. This is not about sermons but about being together as Americans. Please beware, it is about Americans and included in the group will be Atheists, Pagans and other non-religious traditions.

PEACE PLEDGE

I will I will speak up when there is injustice.

I will speak up when truth is not spoken.

I will make my words and my actions mitigate conflicts.

I will do my share in nurturing goodwill for the benefit of all.

I will do my share of peace work, without looking for others

I will do respect the God given uniqueness of each individual.

I will do my best to live and let others live their way.

I will do my best to nurture goodwill in everything I do.

SPECIAL MUSLIM PRAYER

( 3-4 Minutes)Muslim prayers and supplication for the safety and security and unity of our nation. Pray for the well being of all Americans, and seek forgiveness for all of us, and may God guide Reverend Terry Jones to become a be blessed peace maker. Pray for the goodwill of the people of Polk county and Mulberry City, and pray for a cohesive America, where no American needs to live in apprehension, discomfort or fear or fellow Americans.

Please donate to defray the costs. All donors over $100 will be listed on this site. If one or two individuals want to sponsor, we would really welcome it. It will save us time. Donate athttp://americatogetherfoundation.com/donate/ MESSAGES - PRESS RELEASES

We as Muslims plan to respond to pastor Terry Jones' planned burning of 3000 copies of Quran on September 11, 2013 in positive terms.

Our response - we will reclaim the standard of behavior practiced by the Prophet concerning “scurrilous and hostile criticism of the Qur’an” (Muhammad Asad Translation Note 31, verse 41:34). It was "To overcome evil with good is good, and to resist evil by evil is evil." It is also strongly enjoined in the Qur’an in the same verse 41:34, “Good and evil deeds are not equal. Repel evil with what is better; then you will see that one who was once your enemy has become your dearest friend.”

God willing Muslims will follow the divine guidance and pray for the restoration of Goodwill, and on that day many Muslim organizations will go on a “blood drive” to save lives and serve humanity with kindness.

We invite fellow Americans of all faiths, races, and ethnicities to join us to rededicate the pledge, “One nation under God”, and to build a cohesive America where no American has to live in apprehension, discomfort or fear of fellow Americans. This event is a substitute for our 10th Annual Unity Day Celebration (www.UnitydayUSA.com) held in Dallas, but now it will be at Mulberry, Florida.

Unwittingly Pastor Jones has done us a favor by invigorating us by his decision to burn nearly 3000 copies Quran on September 11, 2013. Obviously he is not satisfied by the notoriety he garnered by burning one Qur'an last year.

As Muslims and citizens we honor the free speech guaranteed in our constitution. We have no intentions to criticize, condemn or oppose Pastor Terry Jones' freedom of expression. Instead, we will be donating blood and praying for goodness to permeate in our society.

We plan to follow Jesus Christ (pbuh), a revered prophet in Islam as well as Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) – that of mitigating the conflicts and nurturing good will for the common good of the society.

We hope, this event and the message will remind Muslims elsewhere in the world as well, that violence is not the way. Muslims, who react violently to senseless provocation, should realize that, violence causes more violence, and besmirches the name of the religion that we hold so dear. We believe that Prophet Muhammad was a mercy to the mankind, and we ought to practice what we believe and preach. We must not insult Islam by the negative reactions of a few.

We can only hope it will bring about a change in the attitude of the followers of Pastor Jones, and in the behavior of those Muslims who reacted violently the last time Pastor sought notoriety – We hope this small step towards a bridge to peaceful coexistence would propel us towards building a cohesive society.

Like most Americans a majority of Muslims quietly go about their own business, but it is time to speak up and take positive action instead of negative reaction. May this message of peace and goodwill reverberate and reach many shores.

Lastly, we appreciate the Citizens of Mulberry, Florida, Honorable Mayor George Hatch, City Commissioners, police and Fire Chiefs for handing this situation very well. This will add a ‘feather of peace’ in the City’s reputation. We hope Mulberry will be a catalyst in showing the way in handling conflict with dignity and peace.

We thank the Media for giving value to the work towards peace rather than conflict.